The building was stripped of new foreign materials and structures to expose its existing fabric and character.

It’s no easy feat to transform a bread factory into an inspiring architecture office, but HASSELL worked their magic to create a suite of open plan interconnected studio and meeting spaces. Working as both client and designer, the team sought to preserve the building’s historic heritage and add new spaces to meet their needs. The building was stripped of new foreign materials and structures to expose its existing fabric and character. Along the way 88% of the building waste by weight was recycled or reused. The team also uncovered the original ovens to show the historic use of the site.

The new facility provides a variety of office, meeting, social and functional spaces that reflect an open and collaborative spirit while ensuring privacy and intimacy. Any new facilities that were constructed were built using concrete, glass and brick and differentiated to respect the original quality of the factory. Cross ventilation was created where possible, and users of the building can choose between natural ventilation or mechanical when appropriate. Daylighting provides quality light to minimize the use of artificial light, and the HVAC systems are energy-efficient. Finally, rainwater is harvested and stored in a tank for irrigation use. HASSELL’s Brisbane studio also provides space to support emerging design professionals with studio space and exhibition space is used by local artists for rotating exhibitions.